Relates to claim settlement practices when an insurer refuses to pay or is delaying payment of a settlement; provides a policyholder a private right of action against such insurer doing business in the state who has refused or delayed payment of an insurance claim.
Maddy summaryThis bill makes intentionally causing extreme pain to companion animals (like dogs, cats, and household pets) a class E felony. It defines "aggravated cruelty" as conduct intended to cause extreme pain or carried out in a depraved/sadistic manner, while excluding lawful activities such as hunting, veterinary care, or dispatching diseased animals. Convicted individuals may lose ownership of the animals involved and forfeit them to humane societies. The law repeals an outdated provision and adds these definitions and penalties to New York’s penal code. It directly affects individuals who commit severe animal cruelty against companion animals, not farm animals.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New York's mental health commissioner to create a public anti-stigma education program targeting the general public and specific underserved groups, including Black, Latina/Latino adolescents, LGBTQ+ individuals, Asian descent communities, veterans, and rural residents. The program must reduce stigma about mental health and substance use disorders, improve understanding of symptoms and treatments, and provide clear information on accessing resources through social media, radio, print, and community forums. It mandates collaboration with community stakeholders and consumer advocates to ensure culturally appropriate materials. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Requires written consent of the New York thoroughbred horsemen's association representing at least fifty-one percent of the horsemen using the facilities of the franchised corporation prior to allocation or spending of funds from certain accounts.
Improves transparency in the insurance claims process; regulates insurance adjusting professionals; institutes licensing standards for insurance professionals; ensures timely responses to insurance claims; enhances policyholder protections.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary task force to review why New York City disability retirees are excluded from the Variable Supplements Fund (VSF) program, which provides supplemental retirement payments to police and fire department members. The task force, appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, the mayor, and other officials, will investigate the issue through public hearings, gather evidence, and recommend changes within one year. It must report its findings to the governor, state comptroller, and legislative committees but does not directly alter the VSF program. The goal is to address longstanding eligibility concerns for disability retirees who have been largely excluded from receiving these supplements.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires political committees to clearly disclose the source of paid political communications, including social media posts. Specifically, all paid digital ads - such as social media content - must prominently display "Paid for by:" followed by the committee name, with no exemption for social media posts (unlike some smaller digital ads). It applies directly to campaigns and political committees purchasing digital advertisements for elections. The law mandates this disclosure for any paid communication reaching 500+ people via electronic means, ensuring transparency about who funds political messaging.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 3-year pilot program to help incarcerated individuals in Wende and New York City correctional facilities find employment within six months of release. It requires holding at least three job fairs annually at these facilities, offering resume help, interview coaching, and connections to potential employers. Incarcerated people at Albion, Taconic, and Bedford facilities are excluded from the pilot but will receive alternative job search support. The program mandates annual evaluations tracking job placements, attendee numbers, and recidivism rates, with public reports to the legislature.
Provides that certain utilization review determinations shall be made consistent with medical and scientific evidence; includes services for mental health and substance use disorders as part of emergency services.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed pharmacists in New York to order and administer specific diagnostic tests, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking convenient testing. It authorizes pharmacists to perform FDA-authorized tests for conditions like COVID-19, flu, RSV, strep throat, HbA1c, hepatitis C, and HIV. The law expands pharmacists' scope of practice to include these tests under federal "waiver" requirements, without requiring additional physician oversight. The provision expires on July 1, 2028, as noted in the bill's text.
